The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) condemns the Panamanian Government’s escalating repression of trade union rights. The wave of intimidation targeting SUNTRACS and other unions strikes at the heart of freedom of association, collective bargaining and the rule of law.
In recent days, Panamanian authorities have arrested SUNTRACS leaders Genaro Lopez and Jaime Caballero, both victims of violations to due process and severe unconstitutional actions taken by the Panamanian Government’s Judicial Organ. SUNTRACS’ General Secretary Saul Mendez, fearing for his life, has requested political asylum and remains inside the Bolivian Embassy in Panama City waiting for an answer. Erasmo Cerrud, SUNTRACS’s Defence Secretary remains at large after the government has put a $5,000 bounty on him.
These detentions are not isolated; they form part of a strategy to intimidate workers and attack organised labour. This crackdown continues despite the International Labour Organization’s explicit calls on the government to respect trade union rights and unfreeze SUNTRACS’ funds.
Since SUNTRACS launched its lawful general strike on 28 April to oppose neoliberal Law 462, authorities have intensified attacks. Reports from our colleagues at the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) document a broader climate of hostility to union activism in Panama.
Paddy Crumlin, ITF President, stated: “Transport workers around the world stand shoulder-to-shoulder with SUNTRACS and the Panamanian working class. Criminalising union activity is an attack on democracy itself, and the ITF will use every lever to defend our comrades’ fundamental rights.”
Stephen Cotton, ITF General Secretary, added: “We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained trade unionists, the restoration of SUNTRACS’ financial and legal rights, and full compliance with ILO Conventions 87 and 98. The Panamanian Government must choose: respect international law or face growing global opposition.”
The ITF urges all affiliates, allies and supporters to sign and share the petition demanding that the Panamanian Government stop its repression of SUNTRACS and respect trade union rights.
“An injury to one is an injury to all,” said Crumlin.
The ITF will continue to monitor the situation closely and stands ready to mobilise our global network until every arrested trade unionist is free and every Panamanian worker can exercise their rights without fear.”
